Cozy Autumn Wedding at Springhouse Gardens

I want to start by sharing a little snippet of what Austin and Micaha said about working with me, because I don't think any review has ever so accurately described my dorky behavior. "When we first met Sarah for our engagement session we knew we had made the right decision. She was completely fan-girling over the greenhouse that we had our photos taken in. Her enthusiasm made us laugh and feel incredibly comfortable with her." I am still fan-girling over that greenhouse engagement session, this amazing couple, and their wedding day. 

Austin & Micaha have an enormous love for everyone they surround themselves with. Their wedding day focused on their relationship and their commitment to each other, but they also made very intentional and thoughtful decisions on how to show the impact their families and friends have had on them over the years. They have an incredible, independent, and smart nearly-two-year-old girl, Charlie. She was a great flower girl and her reactions throughout the day were priceless. Charlie is not nearly as amused by my antics as her parents are, but she had a wonderful time celebrating. 

Micaha's father passed away when she was young— she had his picture in her bouquet to make sure he was part of their day. When it came time for the special dances, Micaha suprised family members that have meant a lot to her over the years by inviting each of them to the floor to share a dance with her. Her dances with her mother and brother were laid-back, filled with chatting and smiles. Then she invited her father-in-law to the dance floor. He clearly wasn't expecting it— and immediately covered his mouth and cried. I saw this same sweet expression from Austin countless times— at that moment I knew exactly where he got it. Their dance was sweet, upbeat, and silly and I loved seeing each relationship reflected in these moments. They finished the special dances by swaying together with Charlie.

Other items of note: they followed the southern tradition of burying bourbon before the wedding for good weather— it was hovering around 40 degrees all day, but never rained despite the forecast saying it would, so I 100% call this a win. Micaha's side of the wedding got ready at their adorable historic home in Lexington and I dorked-out over the giant fiddle leaf fig, their book collection, and the coral pieces they had around the house! Also, they had two food trucks serving dinner and everything was AMAZING. Okay, that's enough from me— I hope you enjoy their pictures as much as I do! If you are looking for more Kentucky farm vibes check out Angela & Jon's Blackacre wedding or Liv & Daniel's bohemian Gingerwood wedding. 

Austin & Micaha’s wedding has been featured on Simply Southern Weddings, The Knot, Tops Lexington, and Boho Weddings.

Venue: The Barn at Springhouse // Florals: White Cat Weddings // Appetizers and Bar: Bluegrass Catering // Food Trucks: Bradford BBQ & Minton's // Cake: Martine's Pastries //DJ: DJ Connection // Hair : Maddie Wofford // Make-Up: Kelli Marshall // Bride's Dress: Leanne Marshall through Carrie Karibo Bridal // Bridesmaid's Dresses: Azazie's Dusk Dresses // Groom's Outfit: Geno's // Wedding Coordinator: Sara Rogers with Shelly Fortune Event Design // Videographer: Reel Deal Creative 
 

Modern Speed Art Museum Wedding

I met Jessica when we were both working at Louisville Visual Art— she was (and obviously still is) smart, passionate, fierce, funny, and the list could go on and on. It seemed like such a perfect fit when she chose The Speed Art Museum as her wedding venue since art has played such an important part in her life. The whole day felt effortlessly modern and she made an incredibly gorgeous bride. When I first met Ethan it was obvious that he was the perfect partner for her— he is just as hilarious and intelligent as she is and they compliment each other so well.

They both did an amazing job balancing their fun, quirky ideas with clean and modern aesthetics. They even took on the task of some pretty serious DIY projects— namely making and bottling cold brew coffee as favors for their guests as well as creating the stained glass table numbers for the reception. I really enjoyed the temporary tattoos they had for everyone as well as some his & her golden dinosaurs for the cake. I love when weddings highlight a couple's goofy side, but it's even more impressive when it is done in such a fun and gorgeous way. 

Admittedly, my favorite part of the night was getting to sit down with my spouse for dinner surrounded by some of my favorite people from my time working at LVA. It isn't often that I get to actually experience what it's like being a guest at a wedding and it was such a magical, special thing. Getting to have Bobby there also allowed me to pass off my third camera during Jessica's entrance so I could have a side shot of her entering on the stairs (thanks hon!) while also capturing Ethan's face as he saw her for the first time. It ended up being one of my favorite images from the day!

If you are wanting to see some more unique venues, I loved getting to photograph these weddings at Yew Dell Botanical Garden, The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, The Fox House Nashville, and Lost River Cave.

Jessica & Ethan’s wedding was featured in Louisville Bride.

Featured in Louisville Bride Summer Issue 2018

Venue: The Speed Art Museum // Florals: Boston's Floral // Caterer: Wiltshire at the Speed // DJ: Yancey Entertainment Services // Hair : Brandi Bleemel with Mane Beauty Parlour // Make-Up: Joanne Wolf // Bride's Dress: Ashley & Justin Bride through Kleinfeld Bridal // Bridesmaid's Dresses: Sorella Vita through Rebecca's Wedding Boutique // Wedding Coordinator: Ashley French with Fairytale Occasions
 

Rainy & Romantic Backyard Wedding In Kentucky

So if you saw Lauren & Joey's in-home engagement session you already know what a badass couple they are. If you haven't already seen it, I'm going to go ahead and insist you have a peek and then come back here. I promise this post isn't going anywhere.

Alright, now that you are armed with that background knowledge, go ahead grab your tissues and check out this gorgeous wedding day. 

I arrived at Lauren's parent's house in the afternoon— there were storm clouds scattered throughout the sky. As everyone got ready, the weather alternated between rain and sunshine. It didn't dampen anyone's mood, but it did pose the question "backyard or tent ceremony?" No one could decide. After finishing makeup, the ladies climbed into bed to watch the Lily & Marshall wedding episode of How I Met Your Mother while I photographed details in the window. We all swooned over the florals...and the shoes...and the custom illustrated portraits on the invitations...but especially the "nasty woman" pin Joey got Lauren as a wedding gift. 

When it was time for the first look, we used umbrellas just in case— and sure enough, nearly as soon as they saw each other the sky opened up (as did some tear-ducts 😂 ). Soon enough the rain cleared up, but I can't say the same about Joey's eyes. So. Many. Happy. Tears. I loved it. Weather-wise, it went back and forth like that for a while and so we decided the tent would be the best option for the wedding itself. 

Almost as soon as they stood up for the ceremony it began to pour. There is something so romantic about rain during a wedding— family members snuggled close as they listened to the teary, heartfelt vows. It was magical and perfect. After dinner, guests crowded onto the dance floor and it got wild. Several members of Lauren's family are actually professional dancers and believe me it showed. A favorite (very unexpected) moment was watching Lauren and her father joyously jump around the dance-floor to "Who Let The Dogs Out?" as well as Joey's crew belting out Morrissey the way so many weddings belt out Journey at the end of the night. 

If you are looking for more outdoor weddings featuring adorable couples, nearly all my blog posts would hit the mark, but may I recommend Angela & Jon's Blackacre wedding or Michele & Cody's cave wedding as good starting places?

Yes we did snag a few shots with their lovely officiant where the ceremony was originally going to be held. <3 

Featured in Kentucky Bride Print Volumne 10, Issue 1 

Venue: Private Residence // Florals: Rose and Honey // Caterer: Farm to Fork // DJ: Chris Johnson // Band: Jenni Cochran and Aaron Craker of Frederick the Younger // Hair & Make-Up: Twisted Salon // Cake: Flour de Lis Bakery // Dress: Maggie Sottero through Rebecca's Wedding Boutique //